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Business Immigration to Canada

Looking to expand your business in Canada? Explore federal and provincial pathways that let entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators gain Canadian PR through business ownership or investment.

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    Canada offers a stable economy, a diversified marketplace, and immigration programs that are friendly to business, encouraging foreign talent to create jobs and enhance local economies.

    Overview of Canada’s Business Immigration Options

    Canada’s business immigration programs offer strategic opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate owners to gain permanent residency by providing economic benefits to the country. Both at the federal and provincial levels, Canada has a number of immigration streams specifically meant for people who would like to establish, acquire, or expand a business in Canada; create jobs; and help regional economies grow.
    The most prominent streams include the Federal Start-Up Visa Program, Provincial Business/Entrepreneur Programs through PNPs, the Owner-Operator LMIA Exemption, the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program, and Quebec-specific immigrant investor and entrepreneur categories. Beyond these, additional pathways and policy changes reflect Canada’s evolving economic immigration strategy for 2025 and beyond.
    Below are the main immigration streams available to business professionals:

    1. Federal Start-Up Visa Program

    This program is designed for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to create innovative businesses in Canada.
    • There is no minimum investment amount needed.
    • Candidates are required to obtain a Letter of Support or Commitment Certificate from a designated Canadian organization, which could be a venture capital fund or a business incubator.
    • Successful applicants can get permanent residence while developing their start-up in Canada.

    2. Provincial Business Immigration Streams (PNPs)

    Every Canadian province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program for business investors and entrepreneurs.
    • These programs are tailored to attract individuals who will help grow the local economy.
    • Investment and net worth requirements vary by province.
    • Usually, an applicant is expected to establish or acquire a business and actually run its operations in the province.

    3. Owner-Operator LMIA Pathway

    The Owner-Operator LMIA option is available for experienced entrepreneurs to establish or purchase a business in Canada and use that business to support either a work permit or PR application.
    • They normally need an LMIA, or Labor Market Impact Assessment, to hire foreign workers, which shows that hiring internationally will not hurt the Canadian job market.
    • Nevertheless, in many cases, the owner-operators who create or purchase a business are exempt from the usual LMIA process, given that they themselves employ Canadians.

    4. Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

    This pathway is for those who are self-employed in the cultural, athletic, or farming sectors.
    • Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and the ability to contribute to Canada's cultural or athletic life.
    • Eligible professions include artists, performers, writers, athletes, and farmers.

    5. Quebec Business Immigration Programs

    Quebec offers various business immigration categories:

    (a) Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program (QSWP)

    • For those who plan to work for themselves in Quebec.
    • Requires at least $100,000 CAD in net assets and a minimum score in the province's self-employed assessment grid.

    (b) Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

    • For investors with a minimum net worth of $2 million CAD.
    • Requires a five-year investment of $1.2 million CAD through Investissement Québec – Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
    • Proficiency in French is not required.

    (c) Quebec Entrepreneur Program

    • For those intending to start up a business or buy one in Quebec.
    • Stream 1: For start-ups supported by a business incubator, accelerator or university in Quebec (minimum 25% ownership)
    • Stream 2: For the acquisition of an existing business that requires at least 51% ownership.

    6. Business Visitor Visa

    Foreign nationals who intend to visit Canada for short-term business activities, such as meetings, conferences, or to explore opportunities, may apply as Business Visitors.

    Certain business activities can be conducted without a work permit, provided the individual’s main income source remains outside Canada.

    7. Permanent Residency for World-Class Athletes

    Elite athletes, coaches, and event organizers may be eligible for permanent residence under the Federal Self-Employed Program.
    It is meant for those who can contribute to enriching the sports and athletics culture in Canada.

    8. Permanent Residency for Film and Entertainment Professionals

    It is meant for those who can contribute to enriching the sports and athletics culture in Canada.

    • Express Entry
    • Global Talent Stream LMIA (for LMIA-exempt work permits)
    Canada actively welcomes international talent contributing to its vibrant film sector.

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      Business Immigration FAQs

      What if my business does not prosper after relocating to Canada?
      Your permanent residency is valid even if your business is not successful, as long as you met all immigration requirements at the outset.
      Yes, most of the business immigration streams do require investment from your personal net worth, but the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed programs do not have such a requirement upfront.
      It depends on the stream. Some provincial entrepreneur programs may require a certain net worth and minimum investment, whereas the Federal Start-Up Visa does not require a fixed minimum investment but requires a letter of support.